Northeast at center stage as Hornbill Festival triumph | Vibrant Villages initiative, North East Festival announced

Hornbill Festival tickets yield at least Rs 43,62,450
According to statistics from the Directorate of Tourism, a total of 1,54,057 individuals flocked to the ten-day-long Hornbill Festival showcasing the cultural richness of Nagaland. The breakdown included 2,108 foreign visitors, 37,089 domestic visitors, and 1,14,860 local visitors.

The festival’s ticket sales contributed at least Rs 43,62,450 during the ten days. Calculations assume charges of Rs 100 per head for international tourists, Rs 50 per head for domestic tourists, and Rs 20 per head for local visitors. Notably, additional charges were imposed on individuals with digital cameras – Rs 50 for standard, Rs 100 for DSLR, and Rs 150 for a camcorder.

Centre developing ‘Vibrant Villages’ in Northeast to promote tourism: Union Minister Kishan Reddy

Although revenues and losses are yet to be ascertained regarding the Hornbill Festival, Union Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Development of Northeast Region, G Kishan Reddy, announced the government’s intensified efforts to promote tourism in the northeastern states.

The ‘Vibrant Villages’ initiative aims to transform villages into captivating tourist destinations. Reddy revealed that 23 viewpoints are under development, complete with facilities such as restaurants for tourists. The first of these viewpoints, he said, is set to be inaugurated soon in the northeast.

Highlighting the potential of the ‘Home Stays’ concept to generate substantial employment opportunities for locals, Reddy emphasized the government’s encouragement of destination weddings within the country.

Speaking at the “B2B Meet 2023 – Investment opportunities in the Hospitality & Tourism sector in South India & NE” in Hyderabad today, the minister underscored tourism’s role as a significant revenue and employment generator globally. Reddy noted the remarkable growth of the sector, with a substantial increase in tourist arrivals and business amounting to $22.5 billion till October.

The Central government is investing approximately $850 million to enhance infrastructure in about 100 tourist destinations in the Himalayan States and the northeast, said Reddy. He also emphasized the improvement of highways and connectivity in the region, with rail projects completed in Assam, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.

India prepares for 11th edition of North East Festival

As Hornbill Festival concluded today, anticipation is building for the 11th edition of the North East Festival, scheduled to begin in Delhi on December 22. Held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, this annual event, a fixture since its inception in 2013, plays a crucial role in promoting tourism in the North Eastern states.

Shyamkanu Mahanta, Chief Organizer of the Festival, expressed the festival’s deep connection with Delhi, stating, “Delhi holds a special place in our hearts.” The festival, beyond its cultural significance, has evolved into a symbol of identity for the people of the North East.

This edition promises ambitious plans, including a tourism B2B meet and a B2B meet for the textile and food processing sectors, supported by the Union Tourism Ministry and the MSME Ministry, respectively. Renowned North East entrepreneurs have been invited to showcase their products during the festival.

The inauguration ceremony is expected to be graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with the presence of Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) G Kishan Reddy, Union Ministers Anurag Thakur and Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and other dignitaries adding to the grandeur of the event. The festival aims to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and integrity of North East India, marking another milestone in its journey.

Mokokchung Times